AF&PA paper reports for July

The American Forest & Paper Association released its July 2011 United States paper statistics reports. Containerboard production rose 4.6 percent when compared to June 2011, and the month over month average daily production was up 1.2 percent. The containerboard operating rate for July 2011 was down slightly, 0.6 point over July 2010 to 98.1 percent but it gained 1.2 points over June’s operating rate.

Additional key findings include:

• Linerboard production posted a gain over last year.
• Medium also showed an increase over June 2011.

Total boxboard production decreased by 1.3 percent compared to July 2010, but increased 1.5 percent from last month.

• Unbleached kraft folding production decreased over the same month last year, but increased from last month.
• Total solid bleached boxboard and liner production decreased compared to July 2010, but increased from last month.
• The production of recycled folding decreased compared to July 2010, but increased when compared to last month.
• Inventory of solid bleached kraft paperboard increased in June.

Total United States industry consumption of recovered paper was 2.56 million tons, 7 percent lower than June of last year, and essentially the same as June 2011. The flat consumption coupled with a decrease in recovered paper receipts in July contributed to an industry-wide inventory reduction of over 6 percent. Continuing the trend of reduced consumption, the United States has now consumed 4 percent less recovered paper over the last 7 months than during the same period last year.

The United States exported 4 percent less recovered paper in June than in May. Despite a second straight month with a 4 percent drop, exports in 2011 continue to be higher than last year. Year-to-date exports of recovered paper are up 14 percent by volume and 18 percent by dollar value.